I-SAM®
Portable Tennis Ball Machine
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All specifications printed within this manual are subject to change without notification.
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Portable Tennis Ball Machine
Table of Contents
3 - General Overview
3 - Important Safety Information
4 - Important Instructions Before First Use
4 - Battery Preparation
4 - Ball Hopper Preparation
5 - Alignment
5 - Ball Feed Instructions
5 - Break-in Period
6 - Operation
8 - Battery Instructions
9 - Maintenance
9 - Storage
10 - Transportation
10 - Troubleshooting Guide
11 - Optional Accessories
11 - Court Equipment
12 - Other Ball Machines
14 - Stringing Machines
17 - Tennis Balls
18 - Warranty Information
19 - Warranty Registration
2
General Overview of I-SAM®
Portable Tennis Ball Machine
The I-SAM® ball machine, manufactured by Master Sports, LLC, is a
portable, compact, self-contained unit designed to be easily handled,
transported, and stored. The exterior is weather and corrosion resistant.
Testing Procedures:
To ensure customer satisfaction, every I-SAM® ball machine is tested as
follows:
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Battery is checked and tested to ensure superior quality.
Approximately 200 balls are fed through the machine.
Machine is cleaned and boxed.
NOTE: There may be some residual ball fuzz in your machine as a result
of testing.
Important Safety Information
The I-SAM® ball machine is specifically designed to throw tennis balls at
a high rate of speed. To avoid any bodily harm, please observe the
following precautions at all times:
WARNING: Do not reach or look into the
ball exit hole without first turning the main
power off and only after all wheels come to
a complete stop.
WARNING: Never stand closer than 35
feet in front of the ball machine when the
power is on. Balls exit at various angles, 045 degrees vertical, and from 14 degrees
left to 14 degrees right.
WARNING: Only use standard size
WARNING: Do not place hands or foreign (NOT rally) tennis balls with this unit.
objects into the ball hopper while the
power is on.
WARNING: Use caution with small children in the area.
WARNING: Do not use this machine while
it is raining or in water. Do not use wet
tennis balls.
3
Important Instructions Before First Use
Battery Preparation:
(This section does NOT apply to electric-only machines.)
Before first use, the internal battery should be fully charged. Please refer
to page 8 for battery charging instructions.
Ball Hopper Preparation:
The ball hopper slides over the machine for compact storage.
Follow these steps to prepare the I-SAM® ball machine for use:
1. Lift hopper from machine base.
2. Line up tabs on hopper with holes on base.
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Ball Hopper Features:
The ball hopper serves two functions:
1. A cover over the machine when being transported and in storage
2. A ball hopper capable of holding over 250 balls
4
Alignment:
To align machine so that it is centered to shoot equal distance to
forehand and backhand:
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2. Turn sweep on until dark lines match.
3. Set machine in position on serving line with ball exit hole directly over
center line.
Ball Feed Instructions:
For safety reasons, the ball feed will not activate for 10 seconds when
the machine is first powered on.
Break-in Period:
New tennis balls are apt to leave a slick film on new drive wheels that
could cause misfires. Because of this, Master Sports recommends that
slightly used tennis balls be used during the first 10 hours of operation.
5
Operation 1 I-SAM® Model 1
POWER The power switch is on the BACK of the machine. It is the top
right button. The power button turns on the unit and enables the other
functions.
OSCILLATION The random OSCILLATION is the furthest button to the
left on the control panel. It allows the machine to shoot balls from one
side of the court to the other.
SPEED The BALL SPEED control knob regulates the ball velocity from 10
to 60 m.p.h..
FEED The FEED RATE control knob regulates the time interval between
shots being fired. The range is between 1.5 seconds to 8 seconds. There
is a 10 second delay after the machines main power switch is turned on
before the ball feed activates.
ELEVATION The elevation control is found below the control panel. It
is adjusted by moving the lever into one of the five grooves. For higher
elevations, extend the elevation kickstand (on oscillation base) forward.
Adjust to elevate 0° to 20° (without kickstand)
Adjust to elevate 25° to 45° with kickstand
BATTERY The I-SAM® Model 1 comes standard with one 7.5 Amp hour
battery. The I-SAM® Model 1 will operate for an approximate two hour
continuous run. See accessories for options to extend playing time.
6
Operation 1 I-SAM® Model 2 / I-SAM® +
POWER The power switch is on the BACK of the
machine. It is the top right button. The power button
turns on the unit and enables the other functions.
OSCILLATION The random OSCILLATION is the second button from
the right on the control panel. It allows the machine to shoot balls from
one side of the court to the other.
SPEED The SPEED buttons regulate the ball velocity from 10 to 60
m.p.h..
FEED The FEED buttons regulate the time interval between shots being
fired. The range is between 1.5 seconds to 8 seconds. There is a 10
second delay after the machines main power switch is turned on before
the ball feed activates.
ELEVATION The elevation control is found below the control panel. It
is adjusted by moving the lever into one of the five grooves. For higher
elevations, extend the elevation kick stand (on oscillation base) forward.
CORDED REMOTE The remote
allows the OSCILLATION, SPEED
and FEED RATE to be controlled
away from the machine. The remote
is on a tether that should never be
separated from the machine. It may
be placed on the side of the
machine when not in use.
BATTERY The I-SAM® Model 2 comes standard with two 7.5 Amp
hour batteries. The I-SAM® Model 2 will operate for an approximate
four hour continuous run. Please see accessories for options to extend
playing time.
7
Battery Instructions
The following are requirements to ensure proper performance of sealed
lead acid batteries and should be followed precisely:
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Charge battery immediately after use.
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Do not store battery in discharged state.
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Do not store for more than 30 days without recharging.
Battery Replacement:
Turn machine on its top and remove the 11 screws that hold the baseplate. Remove the base-plate, being careful to disconnect the oscillation
motor (see photo B). The battery may be lifted out and the new one put
in place. The wires must be connected to the proper terminals on the
battery. Replace the base-plate being sure to reconnect the oscillation
motor.
CAUTION: Be sure to connect the orange battery wire to the red
battery terminal and the black battery wire to the opposite battery
terminal.
Charger:
The charger provided with the machine will charge a single 7.5 Amp
hour battery within 14-16 hours. Two 7.5 Amp hour batteries should
charge within 24 hours. The charging receptacle is located in the upper
left side on the back of the machine. Plug the charger into the machine
first and then into the outlet. The charger must be plugged into a socket
that will provide continuous power during the charging cycle.
8
Maintenance
Base-Plate Removal:
Turn machine upside down and remove the 11 screws. Lift base-plate
off frame far enough to disconnect the oscillation motor and then set
base-plate aside.
Periodic Internal Cleaning:
The frequency of cleaning will depend on the use of the machine. For
casual use (less than once a week), the cleaning procedure should be
performed once every six months. For extensive use (more than twice a
week), the cleaning procedure should be done every three months.
Internal Cleaning Procedure:
STEP 1: Remove base-plate following the steps in the Base-plate
Removal section.
STEP 2: Brush or vacuum off ball felt and any other foreign materials
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wheels. Never use compressed air.
STEP 3: Replace base-plate by completing the Housing Removal steps
in reverse order.
CAUTION: Before replacing the base-plate, connect the orange battery
wire to the red battery terminal and the black battery wire to the
opposite battery terminal.
Storage
Store the I-SAM® ball machine in a clean, dry place. Charge the battery
before storage. Be sure to read the battery section for more information
about long term storage. Avoid storage areas that are subject to
extreme temperatures.
9
Transportation
For ease of transportation, the I-SAM® Portable Tennis Ball Machine has
a handle by which it may be carried. In addition, most standard luggage
carts can be used to transport the machine.
Troubleshooting Guide
Q: Once in a while the machine shoots out two to three balls at
a time. What is the problem?
A: If the wheels are unable to handle a ball, the balls back up and push
the errant ball through the delivery wheels. This effect causes all balls
that have dropped through the hopper to exit back to back. Occasionally
wet tennis balls may cause this problem as well. In addition, extra felt or
heavy duty tennis balls are slightly larger than normal tennis balls and
multiple firing may occur more frequently when these types of balls are
used.
Q: The machine turns on, but instantly shuts down or gives low
battery indication. What is wrong?
A: This could mean that either the battery is low or something is
prohibiting the machine from going through its normal power up
procedure. With machine off, check behind ball throwing wheels to
make sure there is no ball jam. If wheels turn freely, recharge battery.
Q: The machine is only shooting to the right or left of the court.
What is the problem?
A: The oscillating base should be facing forward for the machine to
oscillate properly. See alignment section, found on page 5.
10
Optional Accessories
Converter:
The converter comes with 110v/220v capability (auto-switching). The
converter enables the machine to be run from any standard electrical
outlet. The converter plugs into the furthest left adapter on the back of
the machine. Plug the converter into the machine first and then the
outlet.
Cover:
The cover is designed specifically for the machine. To cover the machine
for storage, put the hopper back over the base of the machine.
Additional Battery:
Additional batteries may be purchased to extend the play time of the
I-SAM® Model 1.
Court Equipment
Ball Retriever
In just a single minute, the Classic Ball Retriever can gather over 200
balls. No more bending over, or lugging bulky baskets, or spending your
valuable practice time gathering
balls.
This retriever comes with a
detachable polyurethane coated
basket which allows it to be
used as a teaching cart. The
entire unit packs into the basket
for compact storage, making it
convenient for transport.
Constructed of heavy-duty metal
with rust resistant powder
coating, the Classic Ball
Retriever is made to last.
11
Court Roller
Dry your court in no time with the fast and effective Clean
Sweep® Court Roller. Constructed with durable PVA
(polyvinylalcohol) foam, the Court Roller works like a
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thin layer of water that evaporates in seconds.
Waterbroom
The Clean Sweep® Waterbroom is a fast,
convenient and effective way to clean athletic
courts, windscreens, and even your driveway or deck with
less water. Unwanted dirt and debris are literally swept
away in no time, with little effort. Because it uses less
water, you can clean a court and be playing on it in
less than 30 minutes.
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Portable Ball
Machines
Model:
SP -1
SP-2
SP4
Yes
Yes
Yes
Ball Speed
10-75 mph /
15-140 kph
10-75 mph /
15-140 kph
10-75 mph /
15-140 kph
Feed Rate
2 D 13
seconds
2 D 13
seconds
2 D 13
seconds
Oscillation
Random
Random
Random &
Two-Line
Drill
Sweep
Range
Fixed
Adjustable
Adjustable
Remote
Optional
1-function
Wireless
Optional
1-function
Wireless
10 function
Wireless
Top Spin &
Back Spin
Power
Battery Life
4-6 hours
Ball Capacity
300 balls
Weight
Warranty
12
Battery or AC
49 lbs (22 kg)
1 Year Limited (Parts & Labor)
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Variable spin (top and back)
Variable speed (20-90 mph)
Variable feed rates
(1.5-8 seconds)
Manual elevation
(ground stroke to lob)
Full 3 shot, 7 position shot
selection
Holds 250 balls
3 year limited warranty
Dimensions: 35" x 25" x 50"
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Variable spin (top/back)
Variable speed (20-90 mph)
Variable ball feed rate
(1.5 - 8 seconds)
Manual elevation
(ground stroke to lob)
Programmed or random shot
sequence
Full 6 shot, 7 position shot selection
Holds 250+ balls
3 year limited warranty
Remote Control (ball feed on/off)
Dimensions: 35" x 25" x 50"
To Order
To order any of these products or other sporting goods, contact
Master Sports at 1-800-837-1002 or contact your local dealer.
Visit our website at www.mastersports.com.
13
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23)4((?-Force R1
>4$(EF)G(H-Force R1 is the entry level
drop weight machine, using technologies
found on many of the worlds most
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cost. Turntable wing-tech racquet
support towers mount racquets quickly
and securely, while its professional 6point, 10-position K-shaped racquet
support system holds racquets in
position with the utmost care.
G-Force R1
>4$(EF)G(H-Force R1 comes with flying
clamps which can be upgraded at any time to fit dual action clamps.
! Wing-Tech Racquet Towers
! Professional K-Shaped Racquet Supports
! 6 Point - 10 Position Mounting System
! Linear String Gripper
! 360 Degree Bearing Turntable
! Tool Tray
! 2 Tennis & 2 Badminton Flying Clamps
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! 5-year Limited Warranty
23)4(?-FORCE R2
>4$(EF)G(H-Force R2 is built on the same platform as the G-Force R1 but adds
24$(*,,(8?<5%2*#2(EF)G(7+*,(*1285#(,51:8#6(1,*?<'(*,,5"8#6(B5+(25(%$28%$(24$(
flying clamps and grow into a better machine. These dual-action clamps allow
for faster and more accurate restringing.
! Wing-Tech Racquet Towers
! Professional K-Shaped Racquet
Supports
! 6 Point - 10 Position Mounting
G-Force R2
System
! Linear String Gripper
! Diamond Dust Coated Adjustable
Clamps
! 360 Degree Bearing Turntable
! Tool Tray
! Dual Action Quick Lock String
Clamps
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! 5-year Limited Warranty
14
23)4(@A7B(C(@A7BDE
>4$(EF)G(KLMN('$%8$'(15#'8'2'(5C(O(6%$*2(
models, the XLR8 and XLR8+. Both
machines use professional crank handle
wind-back systems that have been servicing
the tennis industry for over 30 years. The
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! Wing-Tech Racquet Towers
! Professional K-Shaped Racquet Supports
! 6 Point - 10 Position Mounting System
! Ball Bearing Linear String Gripper
! Diamond Dust Coated Adjustable Clamps
! 360 Degree Bearing Turntable
! Lockable Turntable
! Extra-Large Tool Tray
! Dual Action Quick Lock String Clamps
! Accommodates Left & Right Handed Stringers
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! Pedestal Floor Stand (XLR8+ Only)*
! 5-year Limited Warranty
XLR8+
23)4(F7?(*#G(F7?DE
Make your life easier and your stringing quick and effortless. The NRG is ideal
for intermediate to advanced high level users, and for the time-conscious
stringer who demands quality work. The micro-chip processor controls every
function, down to maintenance calibration, which ensures a perfect, constant
pull every time.
! V-Tech Racquet Towers
! Professional K-Shaped Racquet Supports
! 6 Point - 10 Position Mounting System
! Ball Bearing Linear String Gripper
! Constant Pull D Rotational
! DEMP with Backlit LCD Display: Multispeed Pulling, Knot Function, Tension
Pull Counter
! Diamond Dust Coated Adjustable Clamps
NRG+
! 360 Degree Bearing Lockable Turntable
! Large Tool Tray
! Dual Action Quick Lock String Clamps
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! Pedestal Floor Stand (NRG+ Only)*
! Deluxe Dust Cover
! String Reel Holder
! 5-Year Limited Warranty
15
23)4(57!HMASTER
>4$(EF)G(0%5-Master is
designed for high-volume
users like pro-shops, tennis
centers, tennis stores and
tennis enthusiasts. With all
the capabilities of the NRG,
and a stack of other features
including linear pull, self
calibration, string type
selection, 3 programmable
preset tensions, knot pull,
speed control, as well as a
counter to monitor your
machines maintenance life
cycle and work load.
>4$(EF)G(0%5-Master is
automatically controlled by the latest DEMP Technology (Digital Electronic
Microchip Processing). From the moment you switch it on the DEMP technology
controls every feature and function and automatically calibrates giving you the
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the latest PC Box Tension Head System, so upgrades and servicing have never
been easier.
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V-Tech Racquet Towers
Professional K-Shaped Racquet Supports
6 Point - 10 Position Mounting System
Linear String Gripper
Ball Bearing Linear String Gripper
Constant Pull D Linear
DEMP with Backlit LCD Display:
Multi-speed Pulling, Knot Function,
Tension, Pull Counter
! Diamond Dust Coated Adjustable Clamps
! 360 Degree Bearing Turntable
! Lockable Turntable
! Large Tool Tray
! Dual Action Quick Lock String Clamps
!(EF)G(0%5C$''85#*,(E2%8#68#6(>55,'(
! Pedestal Floor Stand
! Deluxe Dust Cover
! String Reel Holder
! 5-year Limited Warranty
16
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Pressure-less Tennis Balls
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tennis ball combines the luxury of extra high quality heavy-duty U.K. felt and
the durability of a pressure-less ball, sold by the bucket with 72 balls per
bucket.
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Pressurized Tennis Balls
After two years of development, SAM4 introduces the first pressurized tennis
ball specifically designed for ball machines. The SAM4 Satellite Pro tennis ball
combines the luxury of high quality extra heavy-duty U.K. felt and the
responsiveness of a pressured ball. The Satellite Pro is design for all surfaces
and is sold by the can or case, with 4x balls per can and 18x cans per case.
All specifications printed within this manual are subject to change without notification.
17
Limited Warranty
Master Sports LLC warrants its products to be free from defect in
materials and workmanship for a period of one year from date of
original purchase except for the battery, which is warranted for 6
months. Master Sports will repair or replace defective products at its
option, without charge. Evidence showing the date of purchase and
serial number must be submitted at the time any warranty claim is
made. This warranty is void if the serial number has been altered or
removed and shall not apply to damage caused by unauthorized repairs
or alterations.
If any defect should occur, contact Master Sports at 1-800-837-1002,
ext. 3307 and request Technical Assistance. Please have your serial
number available. It can be found on the bottom of the machine. If we
are unable to resolve the problem by telephone, an R.A. number will be
issued and must be clearly evidenced on the outside of the box in order
to be received at Master Sports. Return the unit in its original carton and
packing, freight prepaid. Master Sports will pay the freight to return the
repaired merchandise to the customer. No C.O.D. shipments will be
accepted.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES OF QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE WRITTEN,
ORAL OR IMPLIED, AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT
SHALL MASTER SPORTS BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHETHER IN CONTRACT,
TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE. Some states
do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.
18
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
Date of Purchase __________________________________________________________
Model/Serial Number _______________________________________________________
Source of Original Information _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Purchased from (name of dealer, rep, pro, etc.) _________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Your Name _______________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________________State________Zip ________________
Phone _________________________Fax ______________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________________________
TO KEEP FOR YOUR RECORDS:
Serial Number (S/N) _________________________________________
Purchased from _____________________________________________
Date ______________________________________________________
19
Place
Stamp
Here
Portable Tennis Ball Machine
6206 Discount Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Master Sports, LLC
6206 Discount Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Toll-free: 800-837-1002
Outside of USA: +1 260-471-0001
Technical Support, Ext. 3307
www.mastersports.com